Firstly, I want to apologize for you having to stare at my weirdo face the whole week (from my last post).  That must have been TMI.  But lucky for all of us, I’ve replaced it with an oversized photo of my right hand.  Why?  Because I have a strange-looking thumb.  No, but seriously, I actually want to discuss my obsession with thin gold rings.  If I could wear one on every finger, I would.

Here are my favorites that I wear on a daily basis:

• Index finger: I found this gold band at the Renegade Craft Fair for $6.  What. A. Steal.
• Middle finger: This one is my mumsies’ and I absolutely love the stone in the middle.  It’s technically not a thin ring so I’m cheating a bit.
• Ring Finger: This heart ring from catbird is my absolute favorite and I never take it off (it’s from my man friend).

PS- my nail polish is Essie chinchilly.  Essie can do no wrong.  But enough about my hands.  I wish these were my hands:

[Image via Garance Dore]

Ever since I saw this photo, I’ve wanted to have my own collection of staple gold rings.  There’s something very elegant in it’s simplicity.  I can’t tell if it’s because she moisturizes really well or if her thin gold bands border on perfection?  And that Dior Oui ring?  I’ve been eBay searching that thing for years now and have never been able to find it.  It is the ultimate gold band.  Until I do find it, here are some other thin rings currently tickling my fancy:

1. Knotted Rush Ring, Bario-Neal, $154
2. Very thin gold ring, Rare Device, $96
3. Senna Round Ring, Bario-Neal
4. Libra gold ring, Elephantine Etsy, $25
5. Jennifer Meyer Thin Stackable Ring, Shopbop, $125

[Oh my goodness, friends, I've been having some technical issues with my blog the last few days and couldn't post.  Couldn't even open the homepage!  I was getting real nervous that bloggy would be abandoned forever.  But alas, we're back in business.]

Now, let’s discuss the importance of Etsy in my life.  About 90% of websites that I bookmark are Etsy stores (the other 10% being wedding blogs and calligraphers but please don’t tell anyone I said that).  What I love is that every store has something unique and creative to offer, from vintage finds to handmade leather bags to knitted mug sleeves.  Looking for cake bunting?  Etsy has it.  Ceramic bowls??  Etsy, my friend.

I want to share some of my favorite Etsys with you (more to come!), and in turn, please share your favorites with me!  Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to Etsy.  There are so many hidden gems to discover!  Here are 4 of my favorite:

1. The Old Red Hen:  This curated shop is always filled with great vintage finds and I absolutely LOVE it’s rustic farmhouse vibe.
2. Eva Juliet: I want to display all of these sweet food-related prints in my kitchen.  As soon as I have a kitchen wall dedicated to Eva Juliet, you will be the first to see it.
3. In Haus Press:  This letterpress studio has some of my favorite cards, prints, and notes.  How adorable are their “Love” Valentine cards, by the way?
4. Rib and Hull: This shop is known for their laptop cases and iPad sleeves but I particularly love their work totes and messenger bags.

[Images via Etsy]

In the month of January, I was living in, living on, and obsessing constantly over the following:

1. I wore this gold Dogeared necklace nearly every single day.  I never tire of a tiny charm.
2. I love a good red nail and this Essie polish in limited addiction kept my hands company quite often in the last month.
3. I (virtually) flipped through Rue Magazine’s Issue 3 at least a dozen times, if not more.  It’s packed full of inspiring visuals and amazing decor ideas.
4. I placed this J.Crew silk blouse in my online shopping cart more times than I can count.  I can’t decide if I need it (read: I OBVIOUSLY NEED IT) so I will continue putting it in my cart until I make the decision.
5. I drank green tea 2-3 times a day, though I wish it were in a cute Anthropologie mug.
6. I listened to the new Cold War Kids album literally on repeat.  One of my favorite songs is Mine is Yours.
7. This Clinique Almost Lipstick was my go-to color of choice for whenever I ventured out of the house.

[Images via dogeared, essie, rue magazine, j.crew, anthropologie, sephora]

1. I’m back.  This past weekend was such an amazing and surreal adventure.  I don’t think I’m allowed to publish anything about it though.  I will give you a hint:  it had to do with a certain awards show that took place on Sunday…perhaps?
2. Look at my brand new sidebar buttons to the right!  Aren’t they precious?  I just want to squeeze their little cheeks.  Since your eyes are now looking in that general direction, do me a solid and click on those links to make sure they are working properly (read: let’s be friendsies).
3. In my next post, I’m going to discuss my 11 goals for 2011.  Clearly, since it’s almost February, ditching my procrastination habit is not one of my goals for the new year.  My resolutions are a little late to the party.

[Image via Pinterest]

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  I love food, so naturally, any day that revolves around spending half the day cooking and half the day eating is a perfect kind of day in my book.  But besides that, it’s a beautiful reminder of all the things I’m thankful for in life: my family for their love, my friends for always making me smile, my job for giving me something to look forward to everyday, and my boyfriend for not noticing the 10 pounds I’ve undoubtedly gained in the last few days.  What can I say, leftovers are irresistible.

Baked Giada De Laurentiis’ Chocolate-Hazelnut Smooches.

Went the Rose Bowl Flea Market; addicted to antique bottles.

Our dwarf lemon tree has finally sprouted lemons!

Constantly drinking tea out of my Jonathan Adler Starbucks tumbler.

With the dry winds, this Kiehl’s Hand Salve is my best friend.

Planning the Thanksgiving menu with my favorite cooking magazines.

Walking the alleys of Old Town Pasadena.

I’m not going to lie, I was definitely on the Kate Spade bandwagon when I was in high school.  I thought I was so totally coolsies because I had not 1 but 3 Kate Spades!  Little did I know that they were purchased on Canal Street for $25 each.  Actually, I lied.  I was fully aware that they were knockoffs and totes pretended that they were real.  Don’t spill my secrets.

Anyways, ever since then, I feel like Kate has really stepped up her game and revamped her brand into something magical.  She even added paper products and accessories up in the mix.  How darling are these stationary items??

1. 2011 Spiral Desktop Calendar, $20
2. Typewriter Notes Giftset, $35
3. Brushstroke Peony Boxed Set, $30
4. Classic Kate Postcards, $12
5. Resolution Pencils, $12
6. Get Organized Sticky Pad Set, $12

[Images via Kate Spade]

Yesterday, I went to the LA Times Food and Wine Festival held at the Paramount Studios Backlot.  It was 90 degrees, the lines were outrageously long, and my boyfriend complained the entire time – but other than that, I loved it!  There were food trucks galore and stand after stand of wineries.  I ate an unhealthy amount of food, tasted a few different vinos, and enjoyed the “New York City” scenery on the backlot.

Best part?  She & Him, one of my favorite  bands comprising of the gorgeous Zooey Deschanel and the adorable M. Ward, performed at the end of the festival.  Of course, as soon as Zooey hit the stage, Kyle’s bad mood instantly vanished!

[Korean tacos with kimchi slaw]

[my LA Times wine glass & favorite new belt]

[nutella, strawberry, & banana crepe from Crepe Bonaparte]

[Burrata & tomatoes from Campanile]

[Grilled cheese from Campanile]

[so crowded]

[Zooey Deschanel, She&Him]

[M. Ward & Zooey Deschanel]

*P.S. We also had fish tacos, calamari, a couple quesadillas, brownie bites, and cake balls but we ate those too quickly to photograph.

Before I dive into more blog content, I wanted to share some photos from Saturday.  I went to the Culver City Art Walk with Kyle, roaming through various galleries and (of course) stopping to get our fill of snacks along the way.

Afterwards, we went to The xx concert at the Henry Fonda in Hollywood.  I don’t really talk about music that often but The xx is without a doubt one of my favorite bands.  I can listen to their album every day (and I do) from beginning to end (and I do) without ever getting sick of it.  To me, that’s the ultimate sign of a good ass album.

Of course, the show was brilliant and I enjoyed every second of it.  Love you Romy, Oliver, and Jamie.

{kogi taco truck in culver city}

{dave kinsey @ carmichael gallery}

{nick walker @ carmichael gallery}

{in front of a really blue door}

{father’s office for a snack…and afternoon beer?}

{sweet potato fries @ father’s office}

{the xx at henry fonda}

{Romy & Oliver (what a babe)}

{light show}

{ooh, oliver}

{xx}

The DryBar specializes in simple luxuries: blowouts.  You don’t realize you need your hair professionally blow dried until you actually step foot in their door and experience it firsthand.

Not only do they wash, blow dry, and curl your hair (depending on the style you order), but it only costs $35!!  Plus it’s a super fun and relaxing atmosphere…complete with complimentary champagne, of course.

I went on Thursday night with my cousin and we loved every minute of it.  She ordered the Mai Tai and I chose the Cosmopolitan.  And after 30 or so minutes of pampering, we had bouncing curls and immediately planned our next visit.

For more info on the DryBar, go to thedrybar.com.

[tres chic decor]

[the famous blow dryer light fixture]

[menu of styles]

[the bar]

[sipping champagne]

[my cousin getting her Mai Tai]

[blurred but finished product]

[hard to tell with dark hair but we loved!]